Colony application

ABSTRACT

In a method for collaborating, a first computing device determines capabilities needed for an application to function. The first computing device enables one or more other computing devices to connect to the application. The first computing device determines capabilities of a second computing device, wherein the second computing device is connected to the application. The first computing device determines the capabilities needed for the application to function are met. The first computing device configures a user interface of the second device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to collaborative computingapplications and more specifically a collaborative computing applicationusing a plurality of disparate computing devices.

BACKGROUND

Collaborative applications are designed to help people involved in acommon task achieve goals. The design intent of collaborativeapplications is to transform the way documents and rich media are sharedto enable more effective team collaboration. Collaborative applicationsprovide tools that aid communication, collaboration and the process ofproblem solving. Additionally, collaborative applications may supportproject management functions, such as task assignments, time-managingdeadlines, work flow, and shared calendars.

Collaborative applications should support the individuals that make upthe team and the interactions between them during the group decisionmaking process. The software may also support team membership, roles andresponsibilities. Additionally, collaborative support systems may offerthe ability to support ancillary systems, such as budgets and physicalresources.

SUMMARY

Aspects of an embodiment of the present invention disclose a method,computer program product, and a computer system for collaborating. Afirst computing device determines capabilities needed for an applicationto function. The first computing device enables one or more othercomputing devices to connect to the application. The first computingdevice determines capabilities of a second computing device of the oneor more other computing devices, wherein the second computing device isconnected to the application. The first computing device determines thecapabilities needed for the application to function are met. The firstcomputing device configures a user interface of the second device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of a computing environment in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of the steps of a setup function executingwithin the computing environment of FIG. 1, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of the steps of a device user interface (UI)configuration function executing within the computing system of FIG. 1,in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of components of the computing devicesand the cloud computing node of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a cloud computing environment in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts abstraction model layers in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the presentinvention may be embodied as a system, method or computer programproduct. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the formof an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment(including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or anembodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may allgenerally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of acomputer program product embodied in one or more computer-readablemedium(s) having computer-readable program code/instructions embodiedthereon.

Any combination of computer-readable media may be utilized.Computer-readable media may be a computer-readable signal medium or acomputer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium maybe, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, ordevice, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specificexamples (a non-exhaustive list) of a computer-readable storage mediumwould include the following: an electrical connection having one or morewires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory(RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compactdisc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magneticstorage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In thecontext of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be anytangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or inconnection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer-readable signal medium may include a propagated data signalwith computer-readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Acomputer-readable signal medium may be any computer-readable medium thatis not a computer-readable storage medium and that can communicate,propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of thepresent invention may be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming languages, including an object oriented programming languagesuch as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code may execute entirely on a user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmabledata processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce acomputer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute onthe computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

It is understood that although this disclosure includes a detaileddescription on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recitedherein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented inconjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed. A detailed description of cloud computing is given inthis section to provide a better understanding of the underlyingteachings discussed herein.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference tothe Figures.

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of computing environment 10 in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 provides only anillustration of one embodiment and does not imply any limitations withregard to the environments in which different embodiments may beimplemented. In another embodiment, computing environment 10 is a cloudcomputing environment as described in reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

In the depicted embodiment, computing environment 10 includes computingdevice 30, computing device 40, computing device 50, and cloud computingnode 60, interconnected over network 20. Network 20 is a wide areanetwork (WAN) such as the Internet. In other embodiments, network 20 maybe a local area network (LAN), or any combination of connections andprotocols that will support communications between computing device 30,computing device 40, computing device 50, and cloud computing node 60 inaccordance with embodiments of the invention. Network 20 may includewired, wireless, or fiber optic connections. Computing environment 10may include additional computing devices, servers, or other devices notshown.

Computing device 30 is a laptop computer. In other embodiments,computing device 30 may be a desktop computer, tablet computer, smartphone or personal digital assistant (PDA). In general, computing device30 may be any electronic device or computing system capable of sendingand receiving data, and communicating with computing device 40,computing device 50, and cloud computing node 60 over network 20.Computing device 30 contains colony application 80A, setup function 90A,and device user interface (UI) configuration function 100A.

Computing device 40 is a smart phone. In other embodiments, computingdevice 40 may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, desktop computer orpersonal digital assistant (PDA). In general, computing device 40 may beany electronic device or computing system capable of sending andreceiving data, and communicating with computing device 30, computingdevice 50, and cloud computing node 60 over network 20. Computing device40 contains colony application 80B, setup function 90B, and device UIconfiguration function 100B.

Computing device 30 and computing device 40 are at location 70. Location70 is an area where computing device 30 and computing device 40 maycommunicate using a computer network with a small geographic scope.Computer networks with a small geographic scope range from Near FieldCommunication (NFC) to Local Area Networks (LANs). A computer networkwith a small geographic scope typically does not have a connection tothe Internet or other remote networks. In another embodiment, location70 may be a geographic area defined by a Global Positioning System (GPS)coordinate and a radius around the GPS coordinate. In yet anotherembodiment, location 70 may be a geographic area defined by GPScoordinate boundaries.

In yet another embodiment, location 70 may be a location determined by acontext of a device. In one embodiment, the context of a device may be arepresentation of the physical world around the device. This embodimentmay apply to locations that may not have been predetermined using GPS orto locations too small in nature to be referenced by GPS or LAN. Thecontext of the device may be determined based on data collected from thedevice. The data collected from the device may be from any sensor withan available callable API. Exemplary sensors may be an accelerometer, agyroscope, an ambient light sensor, a microphone, a thermometer, or acamera. For example, using the data collected, the device can determinethe location of the device by comparing the data collected to a databaseof locations with associated data points. The data points may comprisesensor data expected to be detected in certain locations.

Computing device 50 is a laptop computer. In other embodiments,computing device 50 may be a desktop computer, tablet computer, smartphone or personal digital assistant (PDA). In general, computing device50 may be any electronic device or computing system capable of sendingand receiving data, and communicating with computing device 30,computing device 40, and cloud computing node 60 over network 20.Computing device 50 contains colony application 80C, setup function 90C,and device UI configuration function 100C.

Cloud computing node 60 is a server computer. In other embodiments,cloud computing node 60 may be a management server, a web server, or anyother electronic device capable of receiving and sending data. Inanother embodiment, cloud computing node 60 may represent a servercomputing system utilizing multiple computers as a server system, suchas in a cloud computing environment. Cloud computing node 60 may bepracticed in distributed cloud computing environments where tasks areperformed by remote processing devices linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed cloud computing environment, programs may belocated in both local and remote computer system storage devicesincluding memory storage devices. Cloud computing node 60 containscolony cloud service application 110. Colony cloud service application110 is a cloud service program that may facilitate the communicationbetween colony application 80A, 80B, and 80C over network 20.

Computing device 30, computing device 40, computing device 50, and cloudcomputing node 60 may each include components as depicted in furtherdetail with respect to FIG. 4.

In an example, computing environment 10 is a computing environment basedaround an archeological excavation. In this example, computing device 30is laptop computer with a large display attached as an external device.The large display may be used to show the layout of the dig site.Computing device 40 is a smart phone with an integrated camera andgeotagging (process of adding geographical identification metadata tovarious media) capabilities. The camera and geotagging capabilities maybe used to photograph and locate where an object is found at the digsite. Computing device 50 is a laptop computer used by a coordinator whois offsite to monitor the dig site and any items found at the dig site.

Colony application 80A is a collaborative computing program using aplurality of computing devices. In the context of the example ofcomputing environment 10, colony application 80A may be a custom digsite coordination application. Colony application 80A executes setupfunction 90A and device UI configuration function 100A. In otherembodiments, the functionality of colony application 80A, setup function90A, and device UI configuration function 100A may take place on cloudcomputing node 60. Colony application 80A, 80B, and 80C are differentinstances of the same application on different devices.

Setup function 90A operates to configure colony application 80A foroperation. In one embodiment, setup function 90A determines capabilitiesneeded for colony application 80A to function. In one embodiment, thecapabilities needed for colony application 80A to function comprisedevice capabilities. Device capabilities may correspond to certaininputs or outputs. Device capabilities may also correspond to specificdevices or device types. In the example of computing environment 10, alaptop computer with a large display attached (for output) and a smartphone with an integrated camera and geotagging capabilities (for input)are needed for colony application 80A to function. In anotherembodiment, the capabilities needed for colony application 80A tofunction may also comprise user capabilities. User capabilities maycorrespond to certain users that must be connected with colonyapplication 80A. In the example of computing environment 10, acoordinator using a laptop computer to monitor the dig site is neededfor colony application 80A to function.

Setup function 90A may also operate to allow other instances of colonyapplication 80A, for example colony application 80B and 80C running onother devices, to discover colony application 80A which has already beenconfigured for a particular use. In one embodiment, setup function 90Aenables a device proximity detection function. Setup function 90A isdiscussed in further detail with respect to FIG. 2. Setup function 90A,90B, and 90C operate in the same manner.

Device UI configuration function 100A operates to determine whether thecapabilities needed for colony application 80A to function are met. Inone embodiment, device UI configuration function 100A analyzes thedevice capabilities of each device running other instances of colonyapplication 80A (e.g., colony application 80B and 80C) which areconnected to colony application 80A to determine if the capabilitiesneeded for colony application 80A to function are met. In anotherembodiment, device UI configuration function 100A may also analyze theuser capabilities of a user using the instance of colony application 80A(e.g., colony application 80B and 80C) to determine if the capabilitiesneeded for colony application 80A to function are met.

Device UI configuration function 100A may also operate to configure theUI's of the other instances of colony application 80A, for examplecolony application 80B and 80C, running on other devices. In oneembodiment, a UI is configured based on the device capabilities of thedevice running the instance of colony application 80A (e.g., colonyapplication 80B and 80C). The UI may also be configured based on theuser capabilities of a user using the instance of colony application 80A(e.g., colony application 80B and 80C).

The UI may also be configured based on the environment of the devicerunning the instance of colony application 80A (e.g., colony application80B and 80C). In one embodiment, the environment of the device is alocation of the device. For example, the location of the device may bethe geographic location of the device. In another embodiment, theenvironment of the device is a context of the device. The context of thedevice may be determined based on data collected from the device. DeviceUI configuration function 100A is discussed in further detail withrespect to FIG. 3. Device UI configuration function 100A, 100B, and 100Coperate in the same manner.

FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of the steps of setup function 90A executingwithin the computing environment of FIG. 1, for configuring colonyapplication 80A for operation, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

Initially, a user at a first computing device (computing device 30)initiates colony application 80A. In one embodiment, the user decideswhether to configure colony application 80A for a particular use or tosearch for other instances of colony application 80A (e.g., colonyapplication 80B and 80C) that have already been configured foroperation. For example, the user may be presented with the optionsmentioned above. The presentation may be in the form of a popup or amenu.

If the user decides to search for other instances of colony application80A (e.g., colony application 80B and 80C), already configured foroperation, colony application 80A attempts to connect with the otherinstances of configured colony application 80A.

In one embodiment, colony application 80A looks for the other instancesof colony application 80A connected to a common computer network with asmall geographic scope (e.g., NFC or LAN). For example, if computingdevice 30 has Bluetooth® capabilities colony application 80A looks forother Bluetooth discoverable devices. The other discoverable devices maybe running instances of colony application 80A, configured foroperation. In another embodiment, colony application 80A looks for otherinstances of colony application 80A configured for operation connectedto colony cloud service application 110. For example, if an instance ofcolony application 80A already configured for operation is not connectedto a computer network with a small geographic scope, it will connect tocolony cloud service application 110 in order to communicate with otherdevices.

If the user decides to configure colony application 80A for a particularuse, the user will choose to initiate setup function 90A. In step 200,setup function 90A is initiated by a user at computing device 30.

In step 210, setup function 90A determines the capabilities needed forcolony application 80A to function. In one embodiment, the capabilitiesneeded for colony application 80A to function are preconfigured in theapplication. In another embodiment, the capabilities needed for colonyapplication 80A to function are entered by the user. In yet anotherembodiment, the capabilities needed for colony application 80A tofunction are determined by the user with guidance from a template. Thetemplate may be a list of suggested capabilities for a particular use ofcolony application 80A.

For example, in the example of computing environment 10, capabilitiesneeded for colony application 80A to function comprise a laptop computerwith a large display attached (for output), a smart phone with anintegrated camera and geotagging capabilities (for input), and acoordinator using a laptop computer to monitor the dig site. Setupfunction 90A may also determine optional capabilities to enhance theoperation of colony application 80A. For example, additional smartphones with an integrated camera and geotagging capabilities (for input)may be used.

In step 220, setup function 90A enables a device proximity detectionfunction to allow other instances of colony application 80A (e.g.,colony application 80B and 80C) to connect to colony application 80A. Inone embodiment, setup function 90A connects colony application 80A to acommon computer network with a small geographic scope (e.g., NFC orLAN). For example, if computing device 30 has Bluetooth® capabilities,colony application 80A makes computing device 30 discoverable. Inanother embodiment, setup function 90A connects colony application 80Ato colony cloud service application 110.

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of the steps of device UI configurationfunction 100A executing within the computing system of FIG. 1, fordetermining whether the capabilities needed for colony application 80Ato function are met, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

Initially, a user at a second computing device (computing device 40)initiates colony application 80B. According to the process described inreference to FIG. 2, the user decides to search for other instances ofcolony application 80B (e.g., colony application 80A) already configuredfor operation. Colony application 80B connects to colony application 80Aalready configured for operation and running on computing device 30.

In step 300, device UI configuration function 100A receives anindication that colony application 80B running on computing device 40has joined colony application 80A. In response to receiving theindication that colony application 80B running on computing device 40has joined colony application 80A, device UI configuration function 100Adetermines the capabilities of computing device 40 (step 310). In oneembodiment, device UI configuration function 100A calls colonyapplication 80B to retrieve the capabilities of computing device 40. Thecapabilities of computing device 40 may be preregistered by the userusing colony application 80B. The capabilities of computing device 40may be stored on computing device 40 or on cloud computing node 60 foruse by colony application 80B. For example, in the example of computingenvironment 10, the capabilities of computing device 40 comprise a smartphone with an integrated camera and geotagging capabilities (for input).This example has a specific device type (e.g., a smart phone) andspecific inputs (e.g., camera, geotagging).

In step 320, device UI configuration function 100A determines thecapabilities of the user at computing device 40. In one embodiment,device UI configuration function 100A calls colony application 80B toretrieve the capabilities of the user at computing device 40. Thecapabilities of the user of computing device 40 may be preregistered bythe user using colony application 80B. The capabilities of the user maybe stored on computing device 40 or on cloud computing node 60 for useby colony application 80B. For example, in the example of computingenvironment 10, the capabilities of the user of computing device 50comprise a coordinator to monitor the dig site. This example has aspecific user type (e.g., a coordinator).

In step 330, device UI configuration function 100A determines theenvironment of computing device 40. In one embodiment, the environmentof the device is the location of the device. For example, device UIconfiguration function 100A calls colony application 80B to determine alocation of computing device 40. Colony application 80B sends a requestfor the geographic location of computing device 40 to an applicationprogramming interface (API) of a GPS receiver (not shown) integratedwith computing device 40. A GPS receiver can determine its location andpresent that location as longitude and latitude coordinates.

In another embodiment, the environment of the device may be a context ofthe device. The context of the device may be determined based on datacollected from the device. The data collected from the device may befrom any sensor with an available callable API. For example, device UIconfiguration function 100A may call colony application 80B to determinethe context of computing device 40. Colony application 80B sendsrequests to the API's of all available sensors integrated with computingdevice 40. Exemplary sensors may be an accelerometer, a gyroscope, anambient light sensor, a microphone, or a thermometer.

Device UI configuration function 100A determines whether thecapabilities needed for colony application 80A to function are met(decision 340). In one embodiment, device UI configuration function 100Acompares the capabilities needed for colony application 80A to function(created in step 210) to the capabilities of computing device 30,computing device 40, the user of computing device 30, and the user ofcomputing device 40. The capabilities of computing device 30 and theuser of computing device 30 may be preregistered for use by colonyapplication 80A and therefore known to device UI configuration function100A.

In the example of computing environment 10, capabilities needed forcolony application 80A to function comprise a laptop computer with alarge display attached (for output), a smart phone with an integratedcamera and geotagging capabilities (for input), and a coordinator usinga laptop computer to monitor the dig site. With only the capabilities ofcomputing device 30, computing device 40, the user of computing device30, and the user of computing device 40 the capabilities needed forcolony application 80A to function are not met. The coordinator tomonitor the dig site is still needed.

If device UI configuration function 100A determines that thecapabilities needed for colony application 80A to function are met(decision 340, yes branch), device UI configuration function 100Aproceeds to step 350.

In step 350, device UI configuration function 100A configures the UI ofcolony application 80B running on computing device 40. The UI of colonyapplication 80B running on computing device 40 is configured based on atleast the capabilities of computing device 40. The UI of colonyapplication 80B may also be configured based on the capabilities of theuser at computing device 40. The UI of colony application 80B may alsobe configured based on the environment of computing device 40(determined in step 330).

In one embodiment, device UI configuration function 100A determines anappropriate UI for colony application 80B based on at least thecapabilities of computing device 40. Each incidence of the colonyapplication contains the same plurality of available UI's. Each of theplurality of available UI's may be associated with one or more devicecapabilities. These associations may be preregistered during the setupprocess of colony application 80A. Device UI configuration function 100Acompares the capabilities of computing device 40 to the devicecapabilities associated with each of the plurality of available UI's tofind a complete match. Device UI configuration function 100A causes aparticular UI with one or more associated device capabilities thatcompletely match the capabilities of computing device 40 to be displayedon computing device 40.

Each of the plurality of UI's may also be associated with one or moreuser capabilities or one or more device environments. The process ofmatching by device UI configuration function 100A functions in the samemanner to find an appropriate UI for colony application 80B. Forexample, if the environment of the device is the location of the devicean appropriate UI may be associated with a specific geographic location.Device UI configuration function 100A would compare the environment(geographic location) of computing device 40 to an environmentassociated with each of the plurality of available UI's to find a match.

In step 360, device UI configuration function 100A sends command tobegin operation to colony application 80A. In another embodiment, afterstep 350 is performed colony application 80A automatically beginsoperation.

If device UI configuration function 100A determines the capabilitiesneeded for colony application 80A to function are not met (decision 340,no branch), device UI configuration function 100A causes the requiredcapabilities, still needed for colony application 80A to function, to bedisplayed (step 370). In one embodiment, device UI configurationfunction 100A sends a command to the UI of colony application 80A oncomputing device 30 to display a popup indicating the capabilities stillneeded. In another embodiment, device UI configuration function 100Acauses an indication of the capabilities still needed to be displayed inthe UI of colony application 80B.

Cloud Computing Description

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing,memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orinteraction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may includeat least five characteristics, at least three service models, and atleast four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provisioncomputing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, asneeded, automatically without requiring human interaction with theservice's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according todemand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumergenerally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher levelof abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly release to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active consumer accounts). Resource usage canbe monitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for boththe provider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure.The applications are accessible from various client devices through athin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based email). Theconsumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructureincluding network, servers, operating systems, storage, or evenindividual application capabilities, with the possible exception oflimited consumer-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquiredapplications created using programming languages and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, orstorage, but has control over the deployed applications and possiblyapplication-hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which can include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingcloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreclouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting forload-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising anetwork of interconnected nodes.

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of components of computing device 30,computing device 40, computing device 50, and cloud computing node 60 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. It should beappreciated that FIG. 4 provides only an illustration of oneimplementation and does not imply any limitations with regard to theenvironments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Manymodifications to the depicted environment may be made.

Computing device 30, computing device 40, computing device 50, and cloudcomputing node 60 each include communications fabric 402, which providescommunications between computer processor(s) 404, memory 406, persistentstorage 408, communications unit 410, and input/output (I/O)interface(s) 412. Communications fabric 402 can be implemented with anyarchitecture designed for passing data and/or control informationbetween processors (such as microprocessors, communications and networkprocessors, etc.), system memory, peripheral devices, and any otherhardware components within a system. For example, communications fabric402 can be implemented with one or more buses.

Memory 406 and persistent storage 408 are computer-readable storagemedia. In one embodiment, memory 406 includes random access memory (RAM)414 and cache memory 416. In general, memory 406 can include anysuitable volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage media.

Colony application 80A, setup function 90A, and device UI configurationfunction 100A are stored in persistent storage 408 of computing device30 for execution by one or more of the respective computer processors404 of computing device 30 via one or more memories of memory 406 ofcomputing device 30. Colony application 80B, setup function 90B, anddevice UI configuration function 100B are stored in persistent storage408 of computing device 40 for execution by one or more of therespective computer processors 404 of computing device 40 via one ormore memories of memory 406 of computing device 40. Colony application80C, setup function 90C, and device UI configuration function 100C arestored in persistent storage 408 of computing device 50 for execution byone or more of the respective computer processors 404 of computingdevice 50 via one or more memories of memory 406 of computing device 50.Colony cloud service application 110 is stored in persistent storage 408of cloud computing node 60 for execution by one or more of therespective computer processors 404 of cloud computing node 60 via one ormore memories of memory 406 of cloud computing node 60. In thisembodiment, persistent storage 408 includes a magnetic hard disk drive.Alternatively, or in addition to a magnetic hard disk drive, persistentstorage 408 can include a solid state hard drive, a semiconductorstorage device, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM), flash memory, or any other computer-readable storagemedia that is capable of storing program instructions or digitalinformation.

The media used by persistent storage 408 may also be removable. Forexample, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 408.Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, andsmart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer onto anothercomputer-readable storage medium that is also part of persistent storage408.

Communications unit 410, in these examples, provides for communicationswith other servers, data processing systems, or devices. In theseexamples, communications unit 410 includes one or more network interfacecards. Communications unit 410 may provide communications through theuse of either or both physical and wireless communications links. Colonyapplication 80A, setup function 90A, and device UI configurationfunction 100A may be downloaded to persistent storage 408 of computingdevice 30 through communications unit 410 of computing device 30. Colonyapplication 80B, setup function 9BA, and device UI configurationfunction 100B may be downloaded to persistent storage 408 of computingdevice 40 through communications unit 410 of computing device 40. Colonyapplication 80C, setup function 90C, and device UI configurationfunction 100C may be downloaded to persistent storage 408 of computingdevice 50 through communications unit 410 of computing device 50. Colonycloud service application 110 may be downloaded to persistent storage408 of cloud computing node 60 through communications unit 410 of cloudcomputing node 60.

I/O interface(s) 412 allows for input and output of data with otherdevices that may be connected to computing system 10. For example, I/Ointerface 412 may provide a connection to external devices 418 such as akeyboard, keypad, a touch screen, and/or some other suitable inputdevice. External devices 418 can also include portable computer-readablestorage media such as, for example, thumb drives, portable optical ormagnetic disks, and memory cards. Software and data used to practiceembodiments of the present invention, e.g., colony application 80A,setup function 90A, and device UI configuration function 100A, can bestored on such portable computer-readable storage media and can beloaded onto persistent storage 408 of computing device 30 via I/Ointerface(s) 412 of computing device 30. Software and data used topractice embodiments of the present invention, e.g., colony application80B, setup function 90B, and device UI configuration function 100B, canbe stored on such portable computer-readable storage media and can beloaded onto persistent storage 408 of computing device 40 via I/Ointerface(s) 412 of computing device 40. Software and data used topractice embodiments of the present invention, e.g., colony application80C, setup function 90C, and device UI configuration function 100C, canbe stored on such portable computer-readable storage media and can beloaded onto persistent storage 408 of computing device 50 via I/Ointerface(s) 412 of computing device 50. Software and data used topractice embodiments of the present invention, e.g., colony cloudservice application 110 can be stored on such portable computer-readablestorage media and can be loaded onto persistent storage 408 of cloudcomputing node 60 via I/O interface(s) 412 of cloud computing node 60.I/O interface(s) 412 also connect to a display 420.

Display 420 provides a mechanism to display data to a user and may be,for example, a computer monitor or a touch screen.

FIG. 5 depicts a cloud computing environment according to an embodimentof the present invention. As shown, cloud computing environment 500comprises one or more cloud computing nodes 60 with which localcomputing devices used by cloud consumers, such as, for example,personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone 510A, desktopcomputer 510B, laptop computer 510C, and/or automobile computer system510N may communicate. Nodes 60 may communicate with one another. Theymay be grouped (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or morenetworks, such as private, community, public, or hybrid clouds asdescribed hereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloudcomputing environment 500 to offer infrastructure, platforms, and/orsoftware as services for which a cloud consumer does not need tomaintain resources on a local computing device. It is understood thatthe types of computing devices 510A-N shown in FIG. 5 are intended to beillustrative only and that computing nodes 60 and cloud computingenvironment 500 can communicate with any type of computerized deviceover any type of network and/or network addressable connection (e.g.,using a web browser).

FIG. 6 depicts a set of functional abstraction layers provided by cloudcomputing environment 500 (FIG. 5) according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. It should be understood that the components, layers,and functions shown in FIG. 6 are intended to be illustrative only andembodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. As depicted, thefollowing layers and corresponding functions are provided:

Hardware and software layer 600 includes hardware and softwarecomponents. Examples of hardware components include mainframes. In oneexample, IBM® zSeries® systems and RISC (Reduced Instruction SetComputer) architecture based servers. In one example, IBM pSeries®systems, IBM System x® servers, IBM BladeCenter® systems, storagedevices, networks, and networking components. Examples of softwarecomponents include network application server software. In one example,IBM WebSphere® application server software and database software. In oneexample, IBM DB2® database software. (IBM, zSeries, pSeries, System x,BladeCenter, WebSphere, and DB2 are trademarks of International BusinessMachines Corporation registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.)

Virtualization layer 610 provides an abstraction layer from which thefollowing examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers;virtual storage; virtual networks, including virtual private networks;virtual applications and operating systems; and virtual clients.

In one example, management layer 620 may provide the functions describedbelow. Resource provisioning provides dynamic procurement of computingresources and other resources that are utilized to perform tasks withinthe cloud computing environment. Metering and pricing provide costtracking as resources are utilized within the cloud computingenvironment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of theseresources. In one example, these resources may comprise applicationsoftware licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloudconsumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources.Consumer portal provides access to the cloud computing environment forconsumers and system administrators. Service level management providescloud computing resource allocation and management such that requiredservice levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planning andfulfillment provides pre-arrangement for, and procurement of, cloudcomputing resources for which a future requirement is anticipated inaccordance with an SLA.

Workloads layer 630 provides examples of functionality for which thecloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads andfunctions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping andnavigation; software development and lifecycle management; virtualclassroom education delivery; data analytics processing; transactionprocessing; and additional processing. As mentioned above, all of theforegoing examples described with respect to FIG. 6 are illustrativeonly, and the invention is not limited to these examples.

It is understood that all functions of the present invention asdescribed herein typically may be performed by the additional processingfunctionality (of workloads layer 630, which can be tangibly embodied assoftware and data used to practice embodiments of the present invention,e.g., colony application 80A, B, or C, setup function 90A, B, or C, anddevice UI configuration function 100A, B or C (FIG. 1). However, thisneed not be the case. Rather, the functionality recited herein could becarried out/implemented and/or enabled by any of the layers 600, 610,620 or 630 shown in FIG. 6.

It is reiterated that although this disclosure includes a detaileddescription on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recitedherein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, theembodiments of the present invention are intended to be implemented withany type of networked computing environment now known or laterdeveloped.

The programs described herein are identified based upon the applicationfor which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of theinvention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular programnomenclature herein is used merely for convenience, and thus theinvention should not be limited to use solely in any specificapplication identified and/or implied by such nomenclature.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of collaborating comprising the stepsof: a first computing device determining capabilities needed for acolony application to function, wherein the colony application is acollaborative computing program using a plurality of computing devices,and wherein the capabilities needed for a colony application to functionare based, at least in part, on a template of suggested capabilities;the first computing device enabling one or more other computing devicesto connect to the colony application via a proximity detection function;the first computing device receiving an indication that the one or moreother computing devices has joined the colony application; the firstcomputing device determining capabilities of at least one computingdevice of the one or more other computing devices, wherein the at leastone computing device is connected to the colony application and whereindetermining capabilities includes the first computing device collectingdata from a sensor with an available callable application programminginterface from the at least one computing device; the first computingdevice determining capabilities of at least one user of the one or moreother computing device, wherein the at least one user operates the atleast one computing device and wherein determining capabilities includesthe first computing device identifying the at least one user; the firstcomputing device determining an environment of each computing device ofthe at least one computing device, wherein the environment of eachcomputing device includes a context that is a representation of thephysical world around the at least one computing device; the firstcomputing device determining that the capabilities of the at least onecomputing device and capabilities of the first computing device togethermeet the capabilities needed for the colony application to function; thefirst computing device determining that the capabilities of a secondcomputing device of the at least one computing device and capabilitiesof the first computing device together do not meet the capabilitiesneeded for the colony application to function; the first computingdevice using a first capability of the first computing device instead ofthe first capability of the second computing device; the first computingdevice displaying on the second computing device the capabilities neededfor the colony application to function; and the first computing deviceconfiguring a user interface of each computing device of the one or morecomputing devices based on the capabilities of that correspondingcomputing device and the environment of that corresponding computingdevice, wherein configuring the user interface of each computing deviceof the one or more computing devices includes associating the userinterface of each computing device of the one or more computing deviceswith one or more of the capabilities.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe capabilities needed for the colony application to function comprisedevice capabilities.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the capabilitiesneeded for the colony application to function comprise usercapabilities.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the environment is alocation.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the environment is acontext.
 6. A computer program product for collaborating, the computerprogram product comprising: one or more computer-readable storagedevices and program instructions stored on at least one of the one ormore storage devices, the program instructions comprising: programinstructions to determine capabilities needed for a colony applicationto function, wherein the colony application is a collaborative computingprogram using a plurality of computing devices, and wherein thecapabilities needed for a colony application to function are based, atleast in part, on a template of suggested capabilities; programinstructions to enable one or more other computing devices to connect tothe colony application via a proximity detection function; programinstructions to receive an indication that the one or more othercomputing devices has joined the colony application; programinstructions to determine capabilities of at least one computing deviceof the one or more other computing devices, wherein the at least onecomputing device is connected to the colony application and whereindetermining capabilities includes a first computing device collectingdata from a sensor with an available callable application programminginterface from the at least one computing device; program instructionsto determine capabilities of at least one user of the one or more othercomputing device, wherein the at least one user operates the at leastone computing device and wherein determining capabilities includes thefirst computing device identifying the at least one user; programinstructions to determine an environment of each computing device of theat least one computing device, wherein the environment of each computingdevice includes a context that is a representation of the physical worldaround the at least one computing device; program instructions todetermine that the capabilities of the at least one computing device andcapabilities of the first computing device together meet thecapabilities needed for the colony application to function are met;program instructions to determine that the capabilities of a secondcomputing device of the at least one computing device and capabilitiesof the first computing device together do not meet the capabilitiesneeded for the colony application to function; program instructions touse a first capability of the first computing device instead of thefirst capability of the second computing device; program instructions todisplay on the second computing device the capabilities needed for thecolony application to function; and program instructions to configure auser interface of each computing device of the one or more othercomputing devices based on the capabilities of that correspondingcomputing device and the environment of that corresponding computingdevice, wherein configuring the user interface of each computing deviceof the one or more computing devices includes associating the userinterface of each computing device of the one or more computing deviceswith one or more of the capabilities.
 7. The computer program product ofclaim 6, wherein the capabilities needed for the colony application tofunction comprise device capabilities.
 8. The computer program productof claim 6, wherein the capabilities needed for the colony applicationto function comprise user capabilities.
 9. The computer program productof claim 6, wherein the environment is a location.
 10. The computerprogram product of claim 6, wherein the environment is a context.
 11. Acomputer system for collaborating, the computer system comprising: oneor more computer processors; one or more computer-readable storagedevices; and program instructions stored on the computer-readablestorage devices for execution by at least one of the one or moreprocessors, the program instructions comprising: program instructions todetermine capabilities needed for a colony application to function,wherein the colony application is a collaborative computing programusing a plurality of computing devices, and wherein the capabilitiesneeded for a colony application to function are based, at least in part,on a template of suggested capabilities; program instructions to enableone or more other computing devices to connect to the colony applicationvia a proximity detection function; program instructions to receive anindication that the one or more other computing devices has joined thecolony application; program instructions to determine capabilities of atleast one computing device of the one or more other computing devices,wherein the at least one computing device is connected to the colonyapplication and wherein determining capabilities includes a firstcomputing device collecting data from a sensor with an availablecallable application programming interface from the at least onecomputing device; program instructions to determine capabilities of atleast one user of the one or more other computing device, wherein the atleast one user operates the at least one computing device and whereindetermining capabilities includes the first computing device identifyingthe at least one user; program instructions to determine an environmentof each computing device of the at least one computing device, whereinthe environment of each computing device includes a context that is arepresentation of the physical world around the at least one computingdevice; program instructions to determine that the capabilities of theat least one computing device and capabilities of the first computingdevice together meet the capabilities needed for the colony applicationto function; program instructions to determine that the capabilities ofa second computing device of the at least one computing device andcapabilities of the first computing device together do not meet thecapabilities needed for the colony application to function; programinstructions to use a first capability of the first computing deviceinstead of the first capability of the second computing device; programinstructions to display on the second computing device the capabilitiesneeded for the colony application to function; and program instructionsto configure a user interface of each computing device of the one ormore other computing devices based on the capabilities of thatcorresponding computing device and the environment of that correspondingcomputing device, wherein configuring the user interface of eachcomputing device of the one or more computing devices includesassociating the user interface of each computing device of the one ormore computing devices with one or more of the capabilities.
 12. Thecomputer system of claim 11, wherein the capabilities needed for thecolony application to function comprise device capabilities.
 13. Thecomputer system of claim 11, wherein the capabilities needed for thecolony application to function comprise user capabilities.
 14. Thecomputer system of claim 11, wherein the environment is a location. 15.The computer system of claim 11, wherein the environment is a context.16. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a camera.
 17. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the capabilities needed for the colonyapplication to function include geotagging.
 18. The computer programproduct of claim 6, wherein the sensor is a camera.
 19. The computerprogram product of claim 6, wherein the capabilities needed for thecolony application to function include geotagging.
 20. The computersystem of claim 11, wherein: the sensor is a camera; and thecapabilities needed for the colony application to function includegeotagging.